Match Preview: Crystal Palace (H).

Three weeks on from their Conti Cup clash with this weekend's opponents, Bristol City will be looking to replicate their display against the Eagles and continue their strong start to the Barclays Championship season.

It's four wins and a draw from the opening five league games for Lauren Smith's side, who have maintained a 100% record at home in BS8 so far, only dropping points in a 1-1 draw with Southampton at Ashton Gate.

City returned from the international break with a bang last weekend, winning 3-1 at Sheffield United thanks to a Shania Hayles brace and Abi Harrison's first league goal of the season.

🎥 WATCH HIGHLIGHTS FROM BRAMALL LANE 

📖 READ THE ROBINS MATCHDAY PROGRAMME

💬 WORD FROM THE CAMP

Defender Naomi Layzell is keen to achieve ‘fortress’ status at home.

“We picked up a great three points on the road last weekend,” said Layzell. "Now it’s important we keep the HPC as a solid home ground for us where teams don’t want to come and face us.

“We’ll be looking to get another win on the board and keep the ball rolling.”

🆚 OUR OPPONENTS: Crystal Palace

Formed: 1992
Stadium: Hayes Lane
Nickname: The Eagles
Manager: Dean Davenport
Finish last season: 4th

Crystal Palace also got off to a healthy start this season, winning their opening two games before falling to defeat at the hands of Southampton.

Dean Davenport's side bounced back from defeat in style to see off Blackburn Rovers 3-1 on their next outing, before continuing their inconsistent form with a home defeat against Sunderland last weekend - leaving them once again looking for a reaction this time around.

Currently fourth in the table and four points off the Robins' early pace, Palace are yet to draw a game having won three and lost two.

Elise Hughes has proved their most dangerous outlet at the top of the pitch so far this season. She has four goals to her name so far, three of which came in the Eagles' particularly successful trip to Blackburn, so City's backline will have to be at their best once more to keep her quiet again. 

⏮ MATCH REWIND

Result: Bristol City 4-0 Crystal Palace
When: 02.10.2022
Competition: FA Continental Cup

Goals from Chloe Mustaki and Emily Syme added to a first-half Abi Harrison brace as Bristol City stormed to victory in the Continental Cup.

Harrison opened the scoring inside 10 minutes as she raced through and finished into the bottom corner, before adding her second of the afternoon 15 minutes later.

The Robins looked comfortable for much of the afternoon and put the game beyond all reasonable doubt after 78 minutes as Chloe Mustaki netted her first in City colours.

Midfielder Syme rounded off a perfect afternoon in sunny Bristol as she found the bottom corner with a first-time effort from 25 yards.  

🔎 WHAT'S ON

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 FAMILY FUN ZONE

The Robins Foundation will be hosting a Family Fun Zone, located behind the goal nearest the entrance to the ground.

Players and coaches from Bristol Bears Women will also be joining us to offer City fans the chance to try their hand at something new with a drop-in ‘Try Rugby’ Session.

Our young supporters will also be able to test their accuracy in an inflatable target (weather permitting).

Join us from 2:15pm.

🛍 POP-UP SHOP

A pop-up Bristol City store will be on operation with a variety of City shirts and training wear on sale as well as pocket money items. 

🍔 REFRESHMENTS

Food and drink will be available to purchase throughout the afternoon from the vendor located on the right as supporters make their way through the turnstiles.

📸 MEET THE PLAYERS

Following the final whistle, supporters are advised to make their way down the white fence that surrounds the pitch where the players will sign autographs and pose for photos.

🚌 TRAVEL

The A3029 Brunel Way in Bristol will be CLOSED SOUTHBOUND at Avon Bridge (the fixed bridge across the River Avon, near the Create Centre). Fans who normally cross the river at this point will need to consider using the Avonmouth Bridge, Clifton Suspension Bridge (toll required) or Bedminster Bridge.

The HPC1 service will still operate however, there are important changes as follows:

• There will only be ONE service pre and post-match
• Pre-Match the service will depart as follows:
• 1400: Bristol Hippodrome, St Augutine’s Parade (Stop C8)
• 1405: Lewins Mead Stop (Stop B9)
• 1425: Ashton Bridge (usual stop: ‘Winterstoke Road’)

Post-Match there will be one departure from the Robins HPC at 17:05. Please ensure you get to the bus stop in good time. The return bus will call at all usual stops

VIEW ALL TRAVEL INFORMATION

🎟 TICKETS

Supporters attending are encouraged to purchase in advance and save! 

📺 STREAMING 

The only place to watch the action this weekend will be at the Robins High Performance as there will be no stream available for the fixture.